TWO Afghan civilians were injured yesterday when British soldiers opened fire on a car that failed to stop at a checkpoint.
The troops, from 5th Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland, fired a single warning shot at the vehicle after it swerved out and drove towards the barrier.
But the bullet ricocheted off the car, injuring the driver and another civilian passer-b
y. Both wounded were treated at the scene, near Lashkar Gah in Helmand, before being taken to a local hospital by the troops.
British soldiers were manning the checkpoint when the car swerved out from behind two other waiting vehicles and failed to stop despite verbal and visual warnings.
The driver suffered facial injuries and the passer-by was hit in the shoulder in the shooting. Their conditions are not thought to be life-threatening.
The Nato-led International Security Assistance Force (Isaf) said events like this would be "avoidable" if the public followed soldiers' instructions.
It said in a statement: "Isaf soldiers are trained to take the appropriate steps to minimise civilian casualties.
"However, they must take action to protect themselves when threatened.
"Tragic incidents such as this are avoidable if the public comply with the instructions of those who are endeavouring to provide a safe environment.
"Isaf runs frequent public service announcements and advertising campaigns aimed at keeping the local population informed about the need to maintain a safe distance from Isaf convoys as they travel throughout the region.
"This incident is being investigated and our thoughts are with those injured civilians and their families at this time."
Isaf is often quick to report civilian casualties in an attempt to pre-empt Taleban efforts to use them for propaganda.
The full article contains 296 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
